Devils visit Garden for first season meeting with Rangers

Dec 11, 2016 | 4:29PM

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New York Rangers right wing Nicklas Jensen (39) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) chase a puck into the corner during the third period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner)

The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils pick up their Hudson River rivalry Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, meeting for the first time since Feb. 23.

These Metropolitan Division foes are headed in opposite directions.

The first-place Rangers won two straight, three of four and already have 19 victories and 39 points through the first 29 games this season.

The Devils, on the other hand, are struggling mightily in all facets of their game the past few weeks. After a surprising 9-3-3 start, New Jersey won three times since Nov. 17, posting a 3-6-3 record. The Devils are in the bottom three in the division with 30 points.

Facing a rival like the Rangers just might be the tonic New Jersey needs at this point to cure some of its ills. It has almost always been the case that the Rangers bring out the best in the Devils, who won three of four games against New York a year ago.

"When you play the Rangers, obviously with the rivalry, it's always a motivational game," Devils coach John Hynes said. "We're going through a tough time right now, but we'll look to be a better team against the Rangers (Sunday)."

New Jersey struggles on the road, posting a 4-8-4 record away from the Prudential Center. Sunday's contest is the start of a four-game road trip for the Devils, and part of a stretch in which they play six of nine on the road. >>Read more. ...

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Patrik Elias to have number retired by Devils

Aug 2 | 9:16PM

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New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) skates in warmups before his game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Prudential Center. (Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports)

The Devils will retire Patrik Elias' No. 26 during a pregame ceremony on Feb. 24, the team announced Wednesday.

Elias underwent knee surgery prior to last season and looked to make a comeback bid to the ice, but decided to hang up his skates this March. He did not suit up during any game last year.

Ilya Kovalchuk will look to make NHL return in 2018-19 season

Jul 22 | 12:42PM

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(Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports)

Former Devils F Ilya Kovalchuk will likely make his return to the NHL in the 2018-19 season, per NJ.com's Chris Ryan.

Kovalchuk expressed interest in returning to the NHL this season with the Devils granting him permission to seek a deal with other teams. However, he told Russia-24 TV that he will likely play one last season in the SKA before returning to the states.

As Kovalchuk sought deals this season, the Devils were not opposed to making a sign-and-trade. However, GM Ray Shero said the deal had to make sense for the Devils.

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Devils sign first overall pick Nico Hischier to three-year contract

Jul 15 | 5:36PM

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Center Nico Hischier, chosen by the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the NHL hockey draft, puts on a jersey at the draft in Chicago. (AP)

The Devils have signed first overall pick Nico Hischier to a maximum entry-level three-year contract, Vice President/GM Ray Shero announced on Saturday.

Hischier's contract is worth $925,000 AAV and includes performance bonuses. The 18-year-old just completed New Jersey's Development Camp on Saturday, according to the team.

Hischier tallied 38 goals and 48 assists in 57 games for for Halifax (QMJHL) in 2016-17, which was the most among rookies. In the playoffs, Hischier scored three goals and had four assists.

Despite the Devils lacking on the defensive front last season, G Cory Schneider believes the group the team already has, per NJ.com's Chris Ryan.

Instead of the defense needing to improve, Schneider thinks the goals allowed last season were his fault. He knows that if he plays his game, there is bound to be a drastic change.

"Defensively, we're returning a lot of the guys we had last year. Goal prevention may have been more of a me issue than a team defense issue," Schneider said. "If I can play the way I know I can, it will obviously clear up any holes for defensive issues we have. I trust our defensemen. They player hard last year, they played their hearts out. We expect the same from them this year."

GEICO SportsNite: Hischier's first Devils practice

Jul 11 | 11:26PM

The number one overall pick in the NHL draft, Nico Hischier, talks with Justine Ward about his first practice with the New Jersey Devils.

The number one overall pick in the NHL draft, Nico Hischier, talks with Justine Ward about his first practice with the New Jersey Devils.

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Marcus Johansson believes Devils can 'surprise some people'

Jul 7 | 5:46PM

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(Charles LeClaire)

Devils newest F Marcus Johansson is embracing the role as an underdog with the Devils, and believes the team can surprise the league this season, per NJ.com's Chris Ryan.

Johansson knows playoff hockey, having made the postseason in six seasons with the Washington Capitals including last year. Now, he is on the other side of the spectrum with the Devils searching for their first playoff berth since the 2011-12 season where they lost in the Stanley Cup Final.

Though the Devils were 12 games under .500 last season, he thinks the team is on the right path toward winning this year.

"It's something that's moving in the right direction I fee like, and I don't mind being an underdog here," Johansson said. "I think we have a great team and if we can just put all the pieces together, I think we can surprise some people."

Brian Boyle signs two-year deal with Devils

Jul 1 | 11:57AM

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Brian Boyle (24) carries the puck during the warm up in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals at Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 5-4. (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports)

The Devils have signed free agent F Brian Boyle to a two-year deal worth $6.1 million, according to Chris Ryan of NJ.com.

Devils select 11 players in 2017 NHL Draft

Jun 24 | 10:29PM

The New Jersey Devils drafted 11 players in the 2017 NHL Draft, including two third round picks, two fifth round picks, and three seventh round picks.

Round 1, 1st overall pick: C Nico Hischier

Scouting report...

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Devils select C Jesper Boqvist in second round of NHL Draft

Jun 24 | 10:51AM

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A general view during the national anthem prior to the start of the game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. (Andy Marlin)

The Devils selected C Jesper Boqvist with the fifth pick in the second round of the NHL Draft on Saturday at the United Center in Chicago.

Boqvist had six assists in 16 games for Brynas IF in 2016-17 before moving to Timra IK, where he scored three goals and added nine assists in 19 games. In seven games of international competition at the IIHF U18 World Championship in 2016, he had two goals and an assist in seven games.

"The left-shot forward has great speed with offensive skill. Boqvist (6-0, 179) is a very good skater with good first-step quickness and balance," said Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com. "He's a skilled puck carrier, and effective in traffic."

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Devils select center Nico Hischier with top pick in NHL draft

Jun 23 | 11:20PM

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Center Nico Hischier, chosen by the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the NHL hockey draft, puts on a jersey at the draft in Chicago. (AP)

The Devils selected Swiss center Nico Hischier with the No. 1 pick Friday night at the first NHL draft to ever be held in Chicago. Hischier, 18, had 38 goals and 86 points for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey Legue last season.

He is the highest-drafted Swiss player in NHL history and is known for his speed and excellent skating ability. He is listed at 6 foot and 179 pounds. He won the Michael Bossy Trophy (Best Professional Prospect) and Michael Bergeron Trophy (Offensive Rookie of the Year) last year.

New Jersey is coming off a last-place finish with a 28-40-14 record last season. The Devils also have the No. 36 pick in this year's draft.

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Devils' 2017-18 schedule released

Jun 22 | 3:49PM

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The Devils will kick off their 2017-18 season against the Colorado Avalanche on October 7 at the Prudential Center.

Goaltender Keith Kinkaid and forwards Michael Cammalleri and Devante Smith-Pelly are among the 24 players the Devils made available for the Las Vegas Golden Knights, who will submit their draft selections by 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Las Vegas must choose one player from each team and must take a minimum of 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders.

Devils GM Ray Shero 'probably' keeping No. 1 pick

Jun 14 | 11:23AM

Though he has not ruled out the option, Devils general manager Ray Shero says he will "probably" hold on to the first overall pick in this year's NHL Draft, per NHL.com's Mike G. Morreale.

Shero has been getting calls from teams interested in trading for the No. 1 overall selection, but he isn't returning them.

"I've gotten calls asking if there's interest moving down and other calls where it's been more specific and it's something to think about," Shero said. "But I haven't called them back. The idea is we'll probably be picking, but we're open to a lot of things."

Devils announce 2017- 2018 preseason schedule

Jun 12 | 10:30AM

The Devils preseason schedule consists of seven games, all against Eastern Conference opponents, with two home games and five road matchups, including one neutral-site "road" game.

New Jersey begins its preseason on Monday, September 18 at home against Washington. The Devils will then travel across the Hudson River to take on the Rangers on Wednesday, September 20, and to Montreal to face the Canadiens on September 21.

The Devils then return home for another matchup against the Rangers on Saturday, September 23.

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Michael McLeod must improve strength to make it to Devils in 2017

Jun 8 | 1:04PM

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(Eric Bolte)

Devils 2016 first-round pick, Michael McLeod, will look to improve his strength and conditioning to hopefully make it to the NHL this season, per Chris Ryan of NJ.com.

The 19-year-old, who was selected 12th overall last year, is hoping to make the big leagues this season. To do so, director of amatuer scouting Paul Castron thinks he needs to hit the weights.

"I think the biggest part is the strength and conditioning," Castron said. "You don't necessarily need to rush that, sometimes it's just a maturing factor. Guys get older, they fill out. Sometimes guys rush that and get injured working out. You've got to put the time in the gym obviously, got to eat properfly and do all the little things right."

Devils contemplating top prospects with No. 1 pick

Jun 5 | 9:45AM

A general view during the national anthem prior to the start of the game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. (Andy Marlin)

With the NHL Draft just a few weeks away, the Devils are contemplating which of the top prospects to take with the number one pick.

New Jersey is expected to select one of two centers with the first overall selection: Nolan Patrick or Nico Hischier. Patrick is ranked No. 1 and Hischier No. 2 by Central Scouting, but many consider both prospects equally worthy of the top selection.

Patrick was the captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League. Although he missed more than half of the season due to injuries, Patrick finished the year with 20 goals and 26 assists in just 33 games. He truly put himself in the national spotlight during the 2015-2016 season, when he recorded 102 points in 72 games and led the Wheat Kings to the Memorial Cup (the championship of Canadian junior hockey), earning MVP honors for the playoffs.

Devils meet with top prospect Nolan Patrick at NHL Scouting Combine

May 30 | 11:28AM

The team met with the 18-year-old on the first day of the six-day combine, and Patrick said the meeting was straightforward.

"It was straightforward questioning, they were really friendly," Patrick said. "They asked at one point what was most important to me, being a top scorer or winning the game. That answer is pretty obvious: winning the game."

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Devils fire radio analyst Sherry Ross

May 24 | 3:36PM

Ross has served as the Devils color commentator on their WFAN radio broadcasts for the past 10 seasons. She worked as a hockey reporter with the Daily Record, The Record, Newsday and New York Daily News as well.

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Kovalchuk wants to return to NHL, can talk to other teams about deal

May 9 | 11:30AM

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(AP)

Ilya Kovalchuk wants to return to the NHL next season, and the Devils have given him and his agent permission to seek a deal with other teams, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN.

New Jersey still holds the forward's rights as Kovalchuk left the NHL in the middle of his contract with the Devils.

LeBrun writes that Devils GM Ray Shero confirmed with Kovalchuk's agent, Jay Grossman, that the 34-year old definitely wants to return to the NHL next season.

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Devils win NHL Entry Draft lottery, will pick first overall

Apr 29 | 8:40PM

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A general view during the national anthem prior to the start of the game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. (Andy Marlin)

The Devils will pick first overall in the NHL Draft after winning the NHL Entry Draft lottery.

The Philadelphia Flyers and Dallas Star will have the second and third overall draft picks, respectively.

The Devils have missed the postseason five straight seasons and finished their 2016-17 campaign with a 28-40 record.

Devils sign D Yaroslav Dyblenko to entry-level deal

Apr 20 | 10:46AM

Dyblenko spent the past five seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League. He spent last season with Moscow Spartak, where he recorded four goals, seven assists, and 51 penalty minutes in 51 games.

Through 180 KHL games, Dyblenko has 12 goals and 27 assists.

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Devils clean out lockers on breakup day

Apr 11 | 5:14PM

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GEICO SportsNite: Devils00:00:51

Devils goalie Corey Schneider and head coach John Hynes recap the team's disappointing 2016-17 season and look forward to next year.

The Devils cleaned out their lockers at The Prudential Center on Tuesday, marking the official end of their 2016-17 season.

New Jersey finished in last place in the Eastern Conference and won just 28 games as the team missed the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. The Devils finished with the second-worst record in the NHL behind only the Colorado Avalanche.

Anders Lee's two goals lead Islanders past Devils

Apr 8 | 9:03PM

New York Islanders forward Andrew Ladd (16) celebrates his second period goal with teammates forward Anders Lee (27) and forward Josh Bailey (12) against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. (James Guillory)

Anders Lee scored two goals and Jaroslav Halak saved 37 shots as the Islanders beat the Devils on Saturday at the Prudential Center. >> Read more

First period

No goals

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Tonight's Game: Islanders at Devils

Apr 8 | 4:17PM

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New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck (15) and New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (14) battle for the puck during the second period at Prudential Center. (Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports)

The Islanders and Devils play each other for the final time this season at 6 p.m. at the Prudential Center.

According to STATS:

The Islanders beat the Hurricanes, 3-0, at PNC Arena on Thursday night, keeping their slim postseason hopes alive in the process. New York has won four straight games -- its longest win streak of the 2016-17 campaign.

New Jersey lost, 7-4, to Pittsburgh at Prudential Center on Thursday night, dropping to 1-5-2 in the last eight games overall. The seven goals scored by the Pens were the most allowed by the Devils in any game this season.

The Devils fell behind early on Thursday night and were unable to keep up with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who defeated New Jersey by a score of 7-4 on at the Prudential Center to clinch home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. >> Read more

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GEICO SportsNite: Patrik Elias honored by Devils before game against Flyers

Apr 5 | 12:46AM

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GEICO SportsNite: Patrik Elias00:00:20

New Jersey Devils' all-time leading point scorer Patrik Elias was honored before a game against the Flyers after announcing his retirement.

Devils can again block Flyers' playoff hopes

Apr 1 | 11:42AM

The Philadelphia Flyers still have a snowball's chance of making the Stanley Cup playoffs, and until it completely melts they're going to keep believing it can happen.

The New Jersey Devils are hoping their next big win comes in the 2017 NHL draft lottery.

On Saturday night, the Flyers (37-32-8, 82 points) will try to keep their playoff hopes alive when they host the Devils (27-36-14, 68 points), who own the third-worst record in the NHL behind the Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes.

Despite three straight wins, the Flyers remain six points behind the Boston Bruins (88 points) with five games to play. But they are also two points behind the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes and three points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Devils come up short against Islanders

Mar 31 | 10:43PM

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(Ed Mulholland (USA Today))

Recap

Anders Lee and Anthony Beauvillierscored to help the New York Islanders preserve their slim playoff chances with a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night.

Jaroslav Halak stopped 26 shots as the Islanders pulled four points behind Boston for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. New York won at home for the first time since beating the Devils here on Feb. 19, going 0-4-1 at Barclays Center in between.

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Patrik Elias announces retirement from NHL

Mar 31 | 8:55AM

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New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) skates in warmups before his game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Prudential Center. (Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports)

Elias played all 18 seasons of his NHL career with New Jersey, and will retire as a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and the Devils all-time leader in goals, assists, and points.

The Devils will celebrate "Patrik Elias Week" over the final three home games this season, including Elias dropping the ceremonial puck on April 4, an open practice on April 7, and Elias participating in warm-ups during the April 8 home finale.

Tonight's game: Devils vs. Jets

Mar 28 | 5:27PM

The New Jersey Devils host the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday at Prudential Center at 7 p.m. ET.

According to STATS:

The Jets won the first matchup between these teams this season. A win tonight would give Winnipeg a sweep of the season series for just the third time in franchise history (first two were 2005-06 as the Thrashers and 2013-14 as the Jets).

Devils fall to Hurricanes, get eliminated from playoff contention

Mar 25 | 9:24PM

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New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider makes a save during the third period at Prudential Center. (Ed Mulholland/USA TODAY Sports)

The Carolina Hurricanes broke a 1-1 tie in the third period and pulled away with a 3-1 victory over the Devils on Saturday. With the loss, the Devils are now eliminated from playoff contention. >> Read more

The Devils travel to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre on Thursay night at 7:30 p.m.

According to STATS:

The Devils won for just the second time in their last 14 games with Tuesday's 3-2 overtime victory over the Rangers. New Jersey is 5-for-15 (33.3 percent) on the power-play over its last five games, scoring at least one power-play goal in all five.

The Maple Leafs won their second straight and extended their point streak to four games following Wednesday's 5-2 victory at the Blue Jackets. Toronto has now scored at least five goals 13 times this season, its most since 2008-09 (17).

New Jersey and Toronto have gone to the shootout six times in the last 11 meetings. Dating back to the 2013-14 season, no other head-to-head series has seen at least six games reach the shootout.